| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bismarck/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,023 | n/a (estimate) | 2,678 | 1,936 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.3 | 2.6 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 45.0 | 49.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 46 | n/a | 60.9 | 27.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 129 | n/a | 170.8 | 174.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 210 | n/a (estimate) | 278 | 254 | 359 |
| Burglary | 187 | n/a | 247.5 | 271.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,452 | n/a | 1,922.0 | 1,229.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 174 | n/a | 230.3 | 181.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,813 | n/a (estimate) | 2,400 | 1,682 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Bismarck crime rate is 26.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Bismarck, there were 210 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 278 per 100,000 individuals, 22.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Bismarck recorded 1813 property crimes, amounting to 2400 per 100,000 residents, 36.4% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bismarck. Based on the results of the surveys (42 responses), 62% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bismarck and felt safe walking alone at night. While 38% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Bismarck a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bismarck has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 26%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 5.54 daily incidents, encompassing 0.58 violent crimes and 4.97 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bismarck as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bismarck has decreased by 28.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bismarck is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 2.8%, while property crime has decreased by 30.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bismarck.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Bismarck, 88.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Bismarck, the cost of living is 2.85% higher than the national average.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bismarck, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.04 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Bismarck | North Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 131 | 842 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| North Dakota | 1,982 | 293 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lincoln, ND | 4,225 | 67 | 447 | 514 |
| Harmon, ND | 236 | 103 | 680 | 782 |
| Menoken, ND | 63 | 220 | 1,459 | 1,679 |
| Mandan, ND | 23,353 | 287 | 2,582 | 2,869 |
| Bismarck, ND | 75,566 | 278 | 2,400 | 2,678 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Evanston, IL | 75,477 | 142 | 2,742 | 2,884 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 75,433 | 463 | 2,232 | 2,695 |
| Ellicott City, MD | 75,837 | 193 | 943 | 1,136 |
| South Jordan, UT | 75,278 | 115 | 867 | 982 |
| Apple Valley, CA | 75,217 | 516 | 1,602 | 2,119 |
| Bismarck, ND | 75,566 | 278 | 2,400 | 2,678 |
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